Grand Opening Event in Louisville features restored bank vault and “The Flying Pig,” a signature cocktail crafted with WhistlePig Bourbon and delivered in a pneumatic bank teller tube.
WhistlePig Whiskey has officially opened The WhistlePig Vault, a new immersive whiskey destination in downtown Louisville. Bourbon Lens was invited to attend last week’s grand opening celebration, which featured a high-energy debut of the space. The Bourbon Lens extends our thanks to the entire WhistlePig team for the VIP treatment and exclusive access throughout the event, and look forward to returning soon to experience more of the cocktail program firsthand.
Historic Bank Transformed Into Interactive Whiskey Venue
Located at 403 East Market Street, the renovated 1911 Louisville (originally German) Security Bank now serves as WhistlePig’s new Kentucky home. The Vault brings the brand’s rye, bourbon, and single malt portfolio into an environment which will stand apart from traditional Bourbon Country experiences. WhistlePig highlights the building’s original architecture alongside hidden design elements, a hands-on wax dipping station, rare whiskey tastings inside the bank’s original vault, and other immersive components.
A Full-Circle Moment for the Rye Producer
“WhistlePig was founded 880 miles from the Bourbon heartland, but the early seeds were planted here in Kentucky. The Vault pays homage to our founding Distiller, Dave Pickerell, who got his start in the Bluegrass State before going off the grid to start the Rye Revolution in Vermont,” said WhistlePig CEO Charles Gibb. “Returning to Kentucky with The Vault is a full-circle moment for us. To truly push the boundaries of American whiskey making, WhistlePig had to build a place apart and craft new and unique whiskeys with zero generations of family tradition. We’ve made our own rules and are proud to share that with Bourbon Country friends and connoisseurs.”
New Experiences Highlight Rye, Bourbon, and Single Malt
The opening follows the January 2025 release of WhistlePig 10 Snout-to-Tail Bourbon, designed as a Kentucky counterpart to the brand’s flagship 10 Year Small Batch Rye. Inside The Vault, visitors will find a series of distinct activations showcasing the full WhistlePig portfolio. Features include marquee cocktail service in the Bank Lobby Bar—where “The Flying Pig,” crafted with WhistlePig 10 Snout-to-Tail Bourbon, is served via pneumatic ATM tube delivery—and private or shared tastings in the Mezzanine Blending Room, where guests can blend their own WhistlePig Old World Rye Aged 12 Years.
Rare Bottles, Customization, and Retail Experiences
The Whiskey Exchange retail area allows guests to dip, seal, and stamp the hind of WhistlePig 10 PiggyBank Rye Limited Edition bottles. The restored 1911 bank vault now houses WhistlePig’s rarest whiskeys, including a complete collection of The Boss Hog series. According to the brand, the location between Whiskey Row and NuLu is designed to offer collectors, Louisville locals, and travelers direct access to WhistlePig offerings beyond its Vermont farm and distillery.
Now Open to the Public
The WhistlePig Vault is now open in Downtown Louisville. Additional information is available at whistlepigthevault.com.
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